23rd Annual Purple & Gold Auction at WIU

Much of the action for the Western Illinois University Athletics Department takes place on the field. But one of the highlights this weekend happens off the field.

The 23rd Annual Purple and Gold Auction will be held Saturday at Western Hall. The silent auction begins when the doors open at 5:00 pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. The silent auction is scheduled to conclude at 7:45 pm, which is when the regular auction starts.

Trips, sports memorabilia, and other goods will be offered.

Co-organizer Jerry Cremer said this is the biggest fundraiser of the year for athletics. He said even though the department is funded through the university, the auction plays an important role.

"I think there are always needs," Cremer said. "Budgets are tight. It's not just us, it's everybody. But again, I think there is always the need for additional items, upgrades, (or) whatever."

Cremer said past auctions have helped pay for upgrades to the weight room and for new classrooms in Brophy Hall. The money raised this year will be used to update the athletic training rooms.

He said tickets are $35 or a table of eight can be purchased for $250. Tickets can be acquired on-line or by calling the Athletic Department at (309) 298-1190.